De Zerbi tells unhappy Tottenham players to find new clubs as Bergvall nears exit
Ahead of a pre-season tour in New Zealand, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi issued a blunt warning that any player not fully committed will be sold, with midfielder Lucas Bergvall's future at the club increasingly uncertain.
Hardline stance from the manager
Roberto De Zerbi set an uncompromising tone before Tottenham's opening tour match in Auckland, declaring that players lacking pride or happiness at the club must leave. The Italian manager, who took over in late March and steered Spurs to safety by two points, addressed squad morale directly.
Who doesn't want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave.
He said he wants proud, motivated footballers ready to play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, especially with the World Cup having shown how much motivation counts in the modern game.
Bergvall's future in doubt
The most immediate test of that stance is Lucas Bergvall. The 20-year-old Swedish international, signed from Djurgarden for £8.5 million in 2024, started only De Zerbi's first match in charge (a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland) and made four appearances as a substitute thereafter. Bergvall has informed Spurs of his wish to move on this summer, seeking more game time and a role that fits his preferred number-eight position, which does not align neatly with De Zerbi's 4-2-3-1 system. Tottenham rejected a £46 million bid from Newcastle United and have also rebuffed interest from Nottingham Forest, whose initial £38 million offer was turned down and who were preparing an improved £45 million approach.
- Nottingham Forest (first)
- 38 £m
- Nottingham Forest (improved)
- 45 £m
- Newcastle United
- 46 £m
I have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days and we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us. Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent. If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan Lange, with Vinai. It's not my business after the decision to leave.
Should Bergvall depart, sporting director Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham will handle the process.
Heavy summer spending
The squad competition that Bergvall faces has been intensified by a significant outlay. Spurs have recruited midfielders Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a £100 million deal and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million. Defensive arrivals include Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. The overall investment is around £237 million, while the club has generated more than £70 million from player sales.
I spoke with the manager for almost two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our style of football. I knew immediately I had to sign for Tottenham.
Tonali, who becomes the most expensive Italian transfer, surpassing Mateo Retegui (€68.5 million), will wear the number 16 shirt.
Injuries and a long road back
Medically, Mohammed Kudus is close to returning from a thigh issue and should be available when the squad returns to London. Dejan Kulusevski, still recovering from a knee problem that kept him out for nearly a full season, will be assessed over the next couple of weeks. Xavi Simons, working his way back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in April, described the early aftermath.
The first four days were the worst days of my life. I couldn't sleep, I didn't eat for one week. I was in a lot of pain. I was vomiting and felt dizzy, it was everything. That pain, I don't wish no-one to go through that pain.
The Netherlands international missed the 2026 World Cup because of the injury.
What comes next
De Zerbi stressed that the transfer window is not finished, with the "target to complete the attacking positions" and two more additions likely. The squad began its pre-season with a 1-0 win over MK Dons and is now on a week-long trip to New Zealand and Australia, starting with the fixture against Auckland FC.
- Roberto De Zerbi appointed head coach
- Spurs secure Premier League survival by two points
- Defenders Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi signed
- Midfielders Sandro Tonali (£100m) and Mateus Fernandes (£85m) join
- Pre-season tour begins vs Auckland FC in New Zealand
